Polyphenols-Gut-Heart: An Impactful Relationship to Improve Cardiovascular Diseases

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• The gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem of bacteria, plays a crucial role in host metabolism and overall health.
• Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota, is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).
• The gut-heart axis describes the bidirectional communication between the gut and the cardiovascular system, highlighting the impact of gut health on heart function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of gut dysbiosis in the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure.
• To discuss the positive impact of polyphenols on the intestinal microbiota.
• To explore the potential of polyphenols and their derivatives in preventing and treating CVDs by modulating gut microbiota composition.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
• Analysis of the mechanisms by which gut dysbiosis contributes to CVD pathogenesis.
• Evaluation of the effects of polyphenols on gut microbiota and host cardiovascular health.

Main Results:

• Gut dysbiosis is causally linked to the pathogenesis of major cardiovascular diseases.
• Polyphenols and their metabolites interact with the gut microbiota, inhibiting pathogenic bacteria and promoting beneficial ones.
• Polyphenol metabolites possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potentially anti-cancer properties beneficial for human health.

Conclusions:

• Modulating the gut microbiota through interventions like polyphenol supplementation offers a promising strategy for CVD prevention and treatment.
• Targeting the gut-heart axis by restoring gut eubiosis (a balanced microbiota) could be a novel therapeutic approach for cardiovascular conditions.
• Further research into polyphenol derivatives may lead to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases by optimizing gut microbial balance.